Jack Della Maddalena’s Camp Declares: ‘Islam Makhachev Will Collapse Before This Star’s Terrifying Power!’

The MMA world is buzzing as talk heats up about a potential clash between UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and the surging welterweight knockout artist Jack Della Maddalena. What started as whispers of a future superfight has quickly escalated into bold declarations from Della Maddalena’s camp — including a fiery warning: “Islam Makhachev will collapse before this star’s terrifying power!”

With the landscape of MMA constantly shifting, fans are clamoring for fresh, high-stakes matchups. A bout between Islam Makhachev, the Dagestani grappling machine, and Jack Della Maddalena, Australia’s most dangerous striking prodigy, would be a stylistic clash that could redefine two divisions. Here’s everything you need to know about this brewing rivalry and why Della Maddalena’s team believes he’s the most dangerous threat to Makhachev’s reign.

Islam Makhachev: The Reigning King of Lightweight

Islam Makhachev has cemented himself as a dominant force in the UFC lightweight division. With a 25-1 record and victories over top-tier names like Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, and Dustin Poirier, Makhachev is often hailed as Khabib Nurmagomedov’s true successor.

His grappling-heavy style, suffocating pressure, and ever-improving striking have made him a nightmare matchup for nearly everyone. However, critics argue that Makhachev has not yet faced a ferocious knockout artist in his prime — someone with power that can end the fight with one clean shot.

That’s where Jack Della Maddalena comes in.

Jack Della Maddalena: The Aussie Powerhouse Making Waves

Hailing from Perth, Australia, Jack Della Maddalena has been tearing through the UFC welterweight division with brutal efficiency. His 17-2 record includes a stunning run of finishes, with 13 knockouts, and most of his victories coming in the first or second round.

Known for his crisp boxing, unrelenting pressure, and ability to take a punch and fire back harder, Della Maddalena has earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC. What sets him apart is not just power — it’s precision and composure under fire.

His recent victory over Gilbert Burns at UFC 300 further solidified his status as a future title contender — or even a two-division threat.

The Challenge: Makhachev’s Camp “Wary” of Maddalena’s Power

Insiders close to Islam Makhachev’s team have reportedly expressed concern about a potential fight with Della Maddalena. While Makhachev remains confident in his abilities, members of his inner circle — including those within American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) — believe that Maddalena poses a greater striking threat than Ilia Topuria, who has recently moved up the pound-for-pound rankings.

One source noted:

“Topuria is explosive, but Della Maddalena is a killer. He stalks his prey, breaks them down, and finishes with surgical precision. Islam hasn’t faced that.”

These fears were amplified after Della Maddalena’s coach, Ben Vickers, declared in a post-fight interview:

“Islam’s never fought someone like Jack. Once he feels that power, he’ll know this is a different kind of fight. Islam Makhachev will collapse before this star’s terrifying power.”

Maddalena’s Camp Fires Back at Makhachev’s Dominance

Many doubters believe that Makhachev’s elite grappling would neutralize Della Maddalena’s striking. But Maddalena’s team believes otherwise.

Coach Ben Vickers elaborated further:

“We’ve studied Makhachev for years. His entries are predictable. If you watch the Poirier fight, you can see the openings. Jack’s takedown defense is underrated. People forget, he trains with some of the best grapplers in Oceania. And once Jack lands clean — it’s over.”

This bold confidence has sparked a debate across MMA media outlets, with analysts now comparing Della Maddalena’s style to Justin Gaethje’s power mixed with Max Holloway’s volume and composure.

Why This Fight Makes Sense for the UFC

With the UFC actively pursuing mega fights, a showdown between Makhachev and Maddalena could do blockbuster numbers. It would pit the best grappler in the sport against one of its most feared strikers.

Dana White has already hinted at plans for cross-divisional fights in late 2025. Given Makhachev’s dominance at lightweight and Della Maddalena’s rise at welterweight, the UFC may consider a catchweight bout at 165 pounds — or even push Della Maddalena to lightweight for a title shot if he can make the cut.

UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby commented recently:

“We love stylistic matchups, and this one has it all: violence, skill, national pride, and high stakes.”

What Does Islam Makhachev Think?

Despite his camp’s reservations, Makhachev has remained characteristically calm and confident. In a recent interview with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Makhachev responded to the speculation:

“I’m ready for anyone. If he wants to test his power against me, he’s welcome. But don’t be surprised when he’s on the mat.”

Still, fans are eagerly waiting to see if Makhachev will finally accept a fight outside his usual list of contenders — particularly someone from the welterweight division who brings a different kind of threat.

Social Media Erupts Over Makhachev vs Maddalena Speculation

The MMA community has been divided since talks of a Maddalena vs Makhachev clash began circulating. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #MakhachevVsMaddalena and #AussieKO began trending as fans debated who would win the potential war.

UFC commentator Michael Bisping said during his podcast:

“Della Maddalena is legit. I’ve seen him spar — he can knock out anyone. But Islam is the pound-for-pound king for a reason. If this fight happens, I’m buying front-row tickets.”

Meanwhile, fan polls show a near-even split, with 52% backing Maddalena to win by knockout, while 48% believe Makhachev’s wrestling will dominate.

The Stakes: Could This Be a Career-Defining Fight?

For Jack Della Maddalena, defeating Islam Makhachev would catapult him into superstardom. It would make him the rare fighter to beat a dominant champion across divisions, and potentially set him up for double-champ status in the future.

For Islam Makhachev, accepting a fight with Maddalena would be a chance to silence critics and prove he can handle any style — not just jiu-jitsu artists and wrestlers.

If the fight is made official, it would likely headline a massive UFC PPV, possibly even UFC 310 later this year in a major venue like Las Vegas or Abu Dhabi.

Final Thoughts: Will the UFC Pull the Trigger?

There’s no doubt that Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev would be one of the most exciting and dangerous matchups in recent UFC history. With both fighters in their prime, and the hype surrounding Maddalena’s terrifying knockout power growing by the day, fans want this fight — and they want it soon.

The only question left: Will Makhachev accept the challenge?

Until then, expect the trash talk to escalate, the training camps to sharpen their strategies, and the MMA world to keep a close eye on what could be the next iconic war inside the Octagon.